At the end of each year the bands are disbanded and they are re-formed the following year. Each student has a catch up with the Band Conductors to help the conductor understand the level that the students are playing at and how to group the students of similar standard. These catch ups will be a great opportunity to meet the new band conductor in a very informal setting where care is taken to make the children feel at ease.
Overview
The assessment process is a merit-based program. Much like trying out for a sporting team, when a child reaches a certain level, there are standards/skills the students need to achieve so that they can comfortably play at the level of senior or concert band. Based on the criteria, attendance at rehearsals and performances and commitment, students will be allocated accordingly.
Provided the students continue to practice for the rest of the year (including through the Summer holidays) and the tutor covers the necessary work, their progress through the band program should be smooth. If you have any concerns about your child's current level of playing, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Anderson to discuss.
Preparation
We encourage you to take the criteria to your child's tutor to take them through it. In discussions with the tutor, students will nominate which scales they would like to play . They will all need too play the BFlat turning scale which they do as a warm up in band each rehearsal. They will be asked to play a scale/s from memory, a piece of music they know and music they have never seen before (sight reading).-
- Students Trying out for Senior Band or Concert Band - please access the Senior/Concert Band Criteria (below)
- Students Trying out for Senior Band - please access the Junior Band Criteria Catch Up (below)
Schedule
The catch ups will be held in the School Hall in the first week or two of Term 1 2025. A schedule will be posted in the week prior to school returning​
What to bring:
- Instrument - including reeds, valve oil etc
- Chosen piece of music you would like to play
- Quiet activity eg book to read, to do while you are waiting
Are you returning/not returning to BNPS Band in 2025? We know some children will be moving to other schools. If you know your child will not be returning to BNPS in 2025.please let us know to help us plan for next year. Access the online form here.
If your child is uncertain about continuing with band next year, it is early days, so please don't make a hasty decision to leave band. Term 4 can be difficult for students as they can be tired and may find it hard to keep motivated. Sometimes the Christmas break can renew their interest in band and they are keen to return.​